Our Organization

 
IMG_0311.jpg
IMG_20190325_165347283.jpg

The International Sonoran Desert Alliance is a comprehensive community development non-profit that is committed to growing resilient and sustainable Sonoran Desert communities where the natural environment and a rich cultural heritage are held in the highest regard.

Founded in 1993 and governed by a board of directors representing the indigenous and non-indigenous populations of the U.S. and Mexico, ISDA is committed to convening diverse stakeholders and building community across borders.

We believe that sense of place has a high level of importance and that Ajo and other Sonoran Desert communities are special places with stories worth sustaining and sharing.

We are a group of concerned people from all walks of life who have joined forces to:

  • Promote the concept and practice of conservation throughout the bio region;

  • Provide education in ways of protecting and respecting valuable biological and cultural resources and traditions;

  • Develop creative and sustainable solutions to critical local issues such as housing and economic development; and

  • Provide practical opportunities for individual and community action.

ISDA also hosts public meetings that provide opportunities for broad community participation, and seeks input from a wide cross-section of voices and cultures. At our board meetings we conduct business in three languages-English, Spanish, and O’odham, and we prepare our literature, from our books to our leaflets and our website, bilingually.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  • Annelise Keuper, President, Artist and Entrepreneur

  • Lorraine Eiler, 1st Vice President, Hia C-ed O’odham Alliance and Tohono O’odham Legislative Council

  • Dr. Nelida Barajas Acosta, 2nd Vice President, CEDO Intercultural

  • Lance Bell, Secretary, Ajo Council for the Fine Arts and Art Under the Arches Gallery

  • Jim Gillett, Board Member (Appointed), Treasurer, Ajo Council for the Fine Arts

  • Eric Alegria, Board Member, Former Personal Banker and Restaurateur

  • Stanley Cruz, Board Member, Pisinemo District Chairman and Travelling Eagle, LLC

  • Aaron Flores, Board Member, Town of Sonoyta, Mexico and Centro de Esperanza

  • Cathy Hutton, Board Member, Ajo Transportation Company and Ajo Elks Lodge

  • Selina Jesus, Board Member, Native American Advancement Foundation

  • Jerome Joaquin, Board Member (Appointed), Tohono O’odham Legislative Council

  • Gene O’meara, Board Member, Pima County Sheriff's Auxiliary Volunteers

  • Bridget Rendon, Board Member, Ballet Folklorico de Ajo and Ajo Elks Lodge

Director Emeritus

  • Lee Baiza, National Park Service (retired)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • Aaron Cooper

Recent Financial Disclosures (Form 990)